Maryborough police Sergeant Michael Wentworth said the incident happened just before 1am in Princes Park.

A group of youths in the park had been approached by a male and female pushing a pram.

There was an altercation, after which the male with the pram produced a knife.

He slashed the 19-year-old’s face, leaving a large gash from under his chin to his left ear.

Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said the victim had lost a lot of blood, and a specialist team from the Royal Melbourne Hospital was flown up to stabilise him at the scene.

He was taken to Maryborough Hospital for treatment, then by aircraft to Essendon airport.

He arrived at the Royal Melbourne Hospital about 3.30am in a critical condition and is expected to undergo extensive surgery.

Anyone with information is urged to phone Maryborough police on 5460 3300 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A Bendigo teenager will appear in court on serious assault charges following a weekend incident.

The 19-year-old is alleged to have attacked a man at the Axedale Tavern about 1am on Saturday.

Leading Senior Constable Darren said a verbal altercation led to the incident.

“The victim’s mate was having a disagreement with one of the employees/licensees, and the victim tried to resolve it.

“The offender has then stepped in, pushed (the victim) in the chest and struck him in the head with a stubby.”